Experienced Hire: • 2-3 years in power distribution design (potential previous job titles: distribution design engineer, power engineering technologist, electrical engineering designer, power distribution technologist) • Experience in the residential development space • Experience w/ overhead and/or underground power distribution design • Experience creating blueprints w/ AutoCAD or MicroStation • Proficient in Maximo and Baud
Plusses: • Higher education degree
Day to Day:
Power distribution design in residential developments involves several key components and considerations to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient delivery of electricity to homes. Here's an overview of the main aspects:
1. Load Estimation
Preliminary Data: Before designing the system, engineers gather data on the expected electrical load. This includes estimating the power requirements for lighting, appliances, HVAC systems, and other electrical devices1.
Load Analysis: Engineers analyze the characteristics of each load to determine appropriate load estimating factors. This helps in combining loads progressively from the smallest feeders to the main power source1.
2. Power Sources
Electric Power Sources: The design must consider the available power sources, such as the local utility grid, and any alternative sources like solar panels or backup generators1.
Selection Criteria: Factors like reliability, cost, and environmental impact are considered when selecting the power source1.
3. Distribution System Design
System Layout: The layout includes the main service panel, subpanels, and the network of wiring that distributes power throughout the development.
Underground vs. Overhead: In many residential developments, underground distribution systems are preferred for aesthetic and safety reasons. This involves designing conduit systems and selecting appropriate cables.
4. Safety and Compliance
Safety Standards: Ensuring the system meets all relevant safety standards and codes is crucial. This includes proper grounding, overcurrent protection, and fault protection.
Regulatory Compliance: The design must comply with local, state, and national electrical codes.
5. System Components
Transformers: These step down the high voltage from the utility grid to a lower voltage suitable for residential use.
Circuit Breakers and Panels: These protect the system from overloads and short circuits.
Wiring and Conduits: Proper selection and installation of wiring and conduits ensure efficient and safe power distribution.
6. Energy Efficiency
Smart Grid Integration: Modern designs may include smart grid technologies to improve energy efficiency and reliability.
Renewable Energy: Incorporating renewable energy sources like solar panels can reduce the overall energy consumption and environmental impact.
7. Futureproofing
Scalability: The system should be designed to accommodate future expansions or increased load demands.
Technology Upgrades: Planning for potential upgrades to newer technologies, such as electric vehicle charging stations, is also important.
Project Manager Tasks:
Working with developers for developments to get land plot, largest source of power to know what transformer sizes and conductor sizes to know which ones to get
Once we get that information on the unit (size of largest unit à centralized subdivision design group will do a preliminary design to verify transformer sizes and things of that nature and that will need to be completed by the date that the developer will set
Overhead design piece - extend power line or relocate power line for a development and that stuff will be developed by a team that's offsite of that project
Managing projects and timelines
-communicating with developers that are constantly calling and some that are hard to contact